Learning outcomes of the course unit

The main objective of the course is the knowledge of basic notions and principles of the structure and function of the cell and its components, and the sexual and asexual reproduction. This knowledge will be important for a better understanding of topics faced and discussed in other courses

Course contents summary

Brief introduction on basic properties and components of living organisms (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids. Origin of life. The study of Viruses and bacteria precedes that of the cell and its main components. Basic principles of Transcription and Translation of the genetic information are then discussed. In the second section the study of reproduction (bacteric, viral and cellular) is faced, followed by that of the gametogenesis and fertilization.